Game Preview: Man City v Aston Villa

Manchester City are without top scorer Sergio Agüero as they look to take a step closer to reclaiming the Premier League title with victory over Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday.

The Argentine international, who has been plagued by muscle injuries in the second half of the season, limped out of Saturday’s victory at Everton with a groin problem.

Winger Jesús Navas has recovered from an ankle injury and key midfielder Yaya Touré is fit after being withdrawn in the second half at Goodison Park as a precaution.

Centre-back Matija Nastasic, out for three months with a knee injury, is not match-fit.

Meanwhile, Striker Gabriel Agbonlahor is a major doubt for the Etihad.

The 27-year-old was forced off with a knee problem in the first half of Saturday’s home win against Hull.

Andreas Weimann, scorer of two against the Tigers, is likely to lead the line against the title chasers while defender Joe Bennett’s ankle injury may keep him out for a third successive game.

And now the prize is in sight.

Liverpool’s capitulation at Palace on Monday will have been greeted with surprise and joy on the blue half of Manchester, meaning four points from the final two games will deliver the Premier League back to the Etihad.

City’s home record against Villa is impressive and they have the target of needing four goals to reach 100 in the top tier for the first time since the 1957-58 campaign.

Villa are safe but after beating Hull at the weekend will want to finish the season in some style.

Stat of the game: Manchester City have won 10 of their last 11 home games against Aston Villa in the Premier League.